Stockholm: City Kayak Tour Past Gamla Stan & Södermalm

Summary

Kayak Stockholm’s waterways for city views you can’t get on foot

You’ll paddle through Stockholm’s central islands by kayak with a local guide leading the way. Expect close-up views of City Hall and Riddarholmen Kyrka, moments of calm near Södermalm, and glimpses of daily life on Långholmen’s canals. It’s not just sightseeing — you’ll feel part of the city’s rhythm out on the water.

What’s the experience like?

Honestly, I almost bailed when I saw the kayaks lined up at the dock — they looked skinnier than I’d pictured, and the water had that cold Baltic smell. But our guide, Erik, just grinned and handed me a paddle like it was no big deal. “You’ll be fine,” he said, and somehow I believed him. The first few strokes were wobbly (I definitely splashed myself more than once), but after a minute or two, it started to feel kind of peaceful — just the sound of paddles dipping in sync, with the city humming somewhere behind us.

We glided past Stockholm City Hall — those red bricks look even more serious from water level — and then under a low bridge where someone above waved down at us. Erik pointed out Riddarholmen Kyrka’s spire poking up behind some old boats, telling us about royal tombs in his sort of dry Swedish way. I tried to repeat “Riddarholmen” but mangled it; he laughed and didn’t correct me. Sunlight kept flickering off the waves and sometimes you’d catch a whiff of cinnamon from a bakery drifting across Gamla Stan. That was unexpected.

There was this stretch along Södermalm where everything went quiet except for a seagull yelling at nobody. We circled Långholmen too — lots of wooden boats bobbing around, some with people having coffee on deck like it was just another Tuesday. My arms were starting to feel it by then (kayaking looks easy until you’re actually doing it), but I didn’t want to stop. If there’s time, you can paddle around Reimersholme as well — we did a quick loop because someone in our group wanted to see every island possible.

I still think about that view back toward the city when we paused mid-channel, all those old buildings stacked up against the sky. It felt different seeing Stockholm from here — less postcard-perfect, more real somehow. So yeah, if you’re curious about the city but want something quieter than wandering busy streets, this kayak tour is worth getting a little wet for.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Kayak tour of Stockholm's islands

• Meet expert guide
• Learn to paddle kayak
• Paddle past Stockholm City Hall
• View Riddarholmen Church
• Get views over Södermalm
• Circumnavigate Långholmen island
• Paddle around Reimersholme if time

Top questions

How long is the Stockholm City Kayak Tour?

The tour lasts either 2 hours (summer) or 4 hours (winter), depending on your booking.

Is previous kayaking experience needed?

No experience is required; beginners are welcome and instruction is provided before departure.

What landmarks will I see during the kayak tour?

You’ll pass Stockholm City Hall, Riddarholmen Kyrka, Gamla Stan, Södermalm, Långholmen, and possibly Reimersholme.

Are kayaks single or double?

The tour uses double sea kayaks for stability and ease.

Is equipment included in the price?

Yes, all necessary equipment including paddles, life vest, safety gear (and drysuit/gloves for winter tours) is included.

Are food or drinks provided?

An outdoor sandwich and warm drink are included only on the 4-hour winter tour.

What should I bring for the kayak tour?

It’s recommended to bring water, long sleeves, sun hat/sunglasses, rain gear and spare dry clothes in case you get wet.

Is there an age limit for participants?

The minimum age is 12 years for summer tours and 15 years for winter tours.

What’s included

Your day includes all kayaking equipment—double sea kayak, paddles, life vest—and safety gear provided by your experienced local guide. On winter tours (4h), you also get a drysuit with gloves plus an outdoor sandwich and warm drink before heading back ashore.